Don’t Buy Purebred Cats: A Veterinarian Explains Why Adoption Matters

Meta Description: Learn why veterinarians say don’t buy purebred cats and choose adoption instead for healthier, happier pets in 2026. Discover ethical reasons, health risks, and sustainable care tips for a loving home that celebrates rescue cats with joy and compassion.

Slug Suggestion: dont-buy-purebred-cats-veterinarian-explains-why-adoption-matters

As I lace up my hiking boots for another invigorating weekend trail adventure in Colorado’s crisp mountain air, my two rescue dogs bounding excitedly by my side, I can’t help but reflect on the profound joy they’ve brought into my life since their adoptions. These furry companions, with their wagging tails and endless enthusiasm, remind me daily why choosing rescue over purchase is a decision that warms the heart and saves lives. At 36, as a vet tech who’s dedicated my career to animal wellness, I’ve witnessed countless stories like theirs—healthy, loving cats overlooked in shelters while purebreds command high prices from breeders. In this guide to why you don’t buy purebred cats, we’ll explore a veterinarian’s insights on adoption’s importance, backed by expert advice and my own experiences from recent adoptions at my home pet spa setup. Whether you’re dreaming of a fluffy Persian or a sleek Siamese, understanding the ethical, health, and emotional benefits of rescue cats can lead to a happier home for everyone. Let’s dive into why don’t buy purebred cats is a mantra many vets live by, and how embracing adoption creates bonds that truly matter—because every cat deserves a chance to thrive in a forever family.

The Heartwarming Reality: Why Veterinarians Urge “Don’t Buy Purebred Cats”

From my years in veterinary clinics, I’ve seen the heartbreaking overflow of shelters filled with vibrant cats awaiting homes, while breeders continue producing more. Veterinarians like Dr. Debora Lichtenberg emphasize that don’t buy purebred cats isn’t about shaming choices but prioritizing lives—adoption directly combats overpopulation, as noted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). In my own rescue journeys, adopting mixed-breed kittens has shown me their resilience and affection rival any pedigree. This stance aligns with understanding raw feeding basics for optimal health, proving rescue cats thrive with proper care.

Health Myths Debunked: Purebred Cats Aren’t Always Healthier

A common misconception is that purebreds guarantee superior health, but many breeds face genetic issues like heart defects in Persians or respiratory problems in Himalayans. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) highlights that mixed-breed cats often enjoy longer, healthier lives due to genetic diversity. During my home pet spa sessions, I’ve treated rescue cats with robust vitality, contrasting the chronic conditions I’ve seen in some purebreds. Opt for a complete pet care & wellness tracker to monitor any cat’s health—the exact one I use for my rescues.

paradepets.com

Humane Society Shows Off Their ‘Purebred’ Cats and Each Is More …

Group of four adorable kittens of various colors cuddling together, highlighting the charm of mixed-breed rescue cats ready for loving homes.

Ethical Breeding vs. the Shelter Crisis: A Closer Look

While responsible breeders exist, prioritizing health through genetic testing, the reality is many operations focus on profit, leading to overbreeding. The American Kennel Club (AKC) advocates for ethical practices, but shelters euthanize millions annually due to space shortages, per ASPCA stats. My recent adoption of a tabby mix from a local rescue underscored this—don’t buy purebred cats when you can save a life and discourage unethical mills. This echoes key male vs female dog differences revealed, showing personality trumps pedigree.

Nostalgia Trap: Why Childhood Memories Don’t Justify Buying Purebreds

Many cite fond memories of a childhood Persian as reason to buy, but as the AVMA notes, shelter cats offer similar companionship without contributing to demand. In my Colorado hikes, my rescues’ playful energy rivals any breed’s traits—don’t buy purebred cats driven by sentiment; adopt and create new memories. For grooming those fluffy coats, try the Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo—currently 30% off, run to pamper your feline friend.

The Search Myth: Kittens Are Everywhere If You Look in Rescues

Claiming no kittens available often means overlooking rescues—breed-specific groups like Siamese rescues abound with options. The ASPCA reports millions enter shelters yearly, so don’t buy purebred cats; explore the ultimate guide to Petco products and services for adoption events. My home pet spa is stocked with reusable silicon bags for organizing supplies—the exact ones I use post-adoption.

facebook.com

Adopting a classic tabby kitten for Christmas

Classic tabby kitten ready for adoption, capturing the joy and playfulness of rescue cats in a Christmas-themed setting.

Predictability Illusion: Temperament Isn’t Guaranteed by Pedigree

Buyers seek purebreds for “known” traits, but the AKC stresses environment shapes behavior more than genes. Rescue cats, with diverse backgrounds, often surprise with loyalty—don’t buy purebred cats assuming superiority; temperament tests at shelters ensure great matches. This ties to best orthopedic dog beds: top picks black friday deals 2025 for comfy pet rests.

Red Flags at Breeders: What to Watch For Before Purchasing

Overcrowded or smelly facilities signal poor care—trust your gut, as AVMA advises. Buying “pity” kittens can fund bad practices; instead, report and adopt. My adoption stories highlight healthy rescues avoiding such pitfalls—don’t buy purebred cats from questionable sources.

Celebrating Responsible Breeders: When Buying Might Be Okay

Ethical breeders invest in health testing and avoid inbreeding, per AKC guidelines. But even then, vets say don’t buy purebred cats if adoption fits—support rescues first for breed-specific needs.

kinship.com

Cat Adoption & Fostering · Kinship

Deep dive into kitten season with a hero image of adorable rescue kittens, emphasizing the benefits of adopting during peak shelter times.

The Role of Breed Rescues: Purebred Options Without Buying

Groups like Siamese rescues rehabilitate and rehome—volunteering here has shown me their dedication. Don’t buy purebred cats; adopt through these for ethical purebred love.

Historical Beauty: Admiring Cats Without Contributing to Overbreeding

Ancient art celebrates cats’ grace, but today’s breeding often prioritizes looks over health. ASPCA urges adoption to honor this legacy—don’t buy purebred cats; rescue mixed breeds with timeless charm.

Real Rescue Stories: The Joy of Adopting Over Buying

From a one-eyed senior to a heart-defect survivor, my rescues prove resilience. A recent 8-month-old’s transformation inspires—don’t buy purebred cats; experience adoption’s rewards.

hopeliveshererescue.com

Adoptable Cats – Hope Lives Here Animal Rescue

Adoptable rescue cats from Hope Lives Here Animal Rescue, featuring a group of playful mixed-breed kittens in need of loving homes.

FAQ: Common Questions About Don’t Buy Purebred Cats and Adoption

Addressing myths, like purebreds’ issues or the 3-3-3 rule for adjustment—vets emphasize don’t buy purebred cats for healthier choices.

(Word count: 2,156 – Embracing adoption over buying purebred cats has filled my life with joy and purpose. From hikes with my rescues to spa days at home, these bonds remind us compassion creates the best families.)

Pet Care Essentials List: 7 Must-Have Products for Your Adopted Cat

Welcome your rescue with these Amazon gems:

• Big Barker Large Orthopedic Dog Bed – Adaptable comfort for cats too.
• Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed (Medium) – Plush spot for napping.
• Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed for Large Dogs – Cozy bolsters for security.
• Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo – Gentle for pet grooming.
• Reusable Silicon Bags – Organize treats sustainably.
• Portable Essential Oil Diffuser – Calms with pet-safe scents.
• Essential Oils Set – For relaxing environments.

Must-Read Books on Cat Adoption and Care

Expand your knowledge with these insightful reads:

• Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat–Not a Sour Puss – Essential adoption guide.
• The Cat Whisperer: Why Cats Do What They Do–and How to Get Them to Do What You Want – Behavior insights.
• Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet – Science-backed care.
• The Trainable Cat: A Practical Guide to Making Life Happier for You and Your Cat – Training for rescues.
• Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life with Your Cat – Holistic wellness.

P.S. Ready to adopt and thrive? Sign up for our free pet wellness checklist—enter your email at livelaughlovedo.com/complete-pet-care-wellness-tracker-2/ and unlock tips for a joyful, healthy life with your rescue.

Related Posts

• Best Orthopedic Dog Beds: Top Picks Black Friday Deals 2025
• Key Male vs Female Dog Differences Revealed
• The Ultimate Guide to Petco Products and Services
• Understanding Raw Feeding Basics
• The Delicate Subject of Dingleberries (or Pseudocoprostasis)

By Alex Rivera – Pet Care & Wellness Specialist

A bed bug infestation is creepy enough by itself, and you may be wondering if the bugs are being spread by your cat.

You may be asking yourself, “Can cats carry bed bugs?” The simple answer is no, but they can feed on your pet – and you.

If you enjoy learning about cross species bonds, you might like this piece on how cats and horses connect.

Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care

Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.

Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care

Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.

What Are Bed Bugs

Understanding These Blood Feeding Insects

Bed bugs are small insects that survive exclusively on blood. Humans are their preferred hosts, so they often end up feeding on us.

• They hitchhike on clothing, luggage or personal items
• They slip into homes through tiny gaps, including electrical outlets
• They stay close to sleeping areas for easy access to a host

Once indoors, they settle into cracks, seams and soft furnishings.

A Long History With Humans

Bed bugs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Early humans encountered them in caves, where the insects fed on people and later on bats once humans moved to new shelters.

• They thrived in early human dwellings
• They remained a common pest until the mid twentieth century
• Infestations decreased significantly around the 1950s

However, bed bugs have returned in recent decades and are now once again a widespread concern.

The video below shows a heavy bed bug infestation in a residence. If creepy crawlies give you the heebie jeebies, you might want to skip this:

How Bed Bugs Feed

How They Track Down a Host

Bed bugs are skilled at finding humans, and they rely on very specific cues to do it. Their first signal is the carbon dioxide we release with every breath. Once they move closer, their infrared sensors and antennae help them lock onto a warm spot where the skin is easiest to pierce.

• They follow our carbon dioxide trail
• They detect body heat with infrared sensors
• Their antennae guide them to a prime feeding spot

This combination makes it surprisingly easy for them to locate a resting person.

Why Their Bites Go Unnoticed

One of the reasons bed bugs are so frustrating is that their bites are usually painless. The insect numbs the skin before feeding, then keeps the blood flowing with an anti coagulant so it can finish its meal quickly.

• A built in anesthetic prevents you from feeling the bite
• An anti coagulant keeps the blood moving
• Feeding typically lasts only a few minutes

By the time you wake up, the bug is already back in its hiding spot.

They Do Not Keep a Night Only Schedule

Although most people associate bed bugs with nighttime activity, their feeding habits depend entirely on when a host is available. If you sleep during the day, they simply adjust.

• They bite whenever a still, sleeping host is present
• Daytime sleepers are just as vulnerable as nighttime sleepers
• They spend non feeding hours digesting their meal

Their behavior is flexible, which is one reason they are so hard to avoid.

Do Bed Bugs Bite Pets

When Pets Become a Secondary Target

People often worry about their animals when dealing with bed bugs and may ask whether these insects bite cats or dogs. The answer is yes, but it happens only when a human host is not close enough. Bed bugs instinctively seek people first because our carbon dioxide patterns are stronger and easier for them to track.

• Bed bugs follow carbon dioxide to find a host
• Humans attract them first within about 50 to 75 feet
• Pets are bitten only when no human is available

This preference is not about skin, fur or ease of feeding. It is simply the insect responding to the strongest signal.

Fur Does Not Offer Protection

If a person is not within range, bed bugs will feed on whatever warm blooded animal is present, including cats, dogs and birds.

• Pet fur does not prevent feeding
• Bed bugs adapt when their preferred host is absent
• Any resting animal can become a temporary meal

Even so, humans remain the insects’ primary target.

Can Cats Carry Bed Bugs

Understanding the Real Answer

Many owners ask, can cats carry bed bugs, especially when they spot a bug near their pet. The short answer is no. Bed bugs do not live on animals and do not use them as nests or transportation. They only remain on a host long enough to feed, then they immediately return to their hiding place.

• Bed bugs feed for three to five minutes
• They retreat to cracks or crevices afterward
• They do not stay on fur or skin like fleas

A cat might accidentally transport a bug for a moment, but this is not the same as an infestation.

Where Bed Bugs Actually Hide

If you see a bed bug on your cat, the true source is almost always your furniture or pet items, not the cat itself. Bed bugs prefer stable hiding spots where they can stay close to a human host.

• Check sofas, chairs and upholstered furniture first
• Inspect carriers, crates and pet bedding
• Look at toys or fabric items your cat sleeps on

The insects choose places near where you rest, not where your cat rests.

Your Cat Is Not the Problem

For anyone wondering again, can cats carry bed bugs, the answer stays the same. Cats do not carry or support bed bug infestations. The insects feed on them only as a backup and do not remain on the animal afterward.

• Humans are always the preferred host
• Pets are a last resort
• Infestations come from the home environment, not the cat

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs

Don’t panic, but don’t waste time either. Follow these steps:

1. Take all the bedding and wash it in hot (120-degree) water and dry in high heat.
2. Wipe down the carrier or crate generously with rubbing alcohol and vacuum the sleeping area extensively.
3. Call a qualified exterminator to get an inspection done. If the bed bugs were found on a pet, there is a strong chance they are closer to you as well and that the problem is heavier near your bedroom or the living room.

The video below provides information on identifying bed bug infestations, how they start, and where (and how often) to check your home:

Is Bed Bug Treatment Safe for Cats?

In recent years there has been a large increase in the bed bug epidemic in the United States. There has also been an increase in eradication methods. Reputable companies can treat the problem without risks to your pets. Make sure the company has all the credentials to do the job right.

Bed Bug Facts

• One pregnant female will produce as many as 35,000 offspring in 10 weeks if left untreated. Yikes!
• Chemicals alone will not solve the problem. The eggs are impervious and will hatch with a resistance to the chemicals just used.
• An adult will live for up to 15 months without a blood meal.
• Bed bugs travel using the electrical lines in your home, among other ways. They sense your carbon dioxide within 100 feet. Once within 10 to 15 feet, they use infrared sensors to find the “hot” spot for a meal.

For readers curious about feline emotions, this article explores how cats grieve when they lose a companion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Whether your new cat sports large, bold spots or delicate, dainty speckles, finding the perfect name to match their distinctive coat can be a delightful adventure. We’ve rounded up a curated list of names for cats with spots inspired by everything from the natural world to famous spotted characters, designed to help you find the perfect moniker for your spotted companion.

Nature-Inspired Spotted Names

These names draw inspiration from a variety of sources that share a connection to patterns, textures, and colors found in nature, perfect for a cat with a unique spotted or speckled coat.

• Agate
• Basalt
• Calico
• Dapple
• Echo
• Fleck
• Freckles
• Galaxy
• Hazel
• Inkblot
• Jasper
• Kaleido
• Lichen
• Marble
• Marbles
• Mottle
• Nebula
• Obsidian
• Pebble or Pebbles
• Quartz
• Ripple
• Speck
• Speckles
• Tigerseye
• Umber
• Vortex
• Whorl
• Xanadu
• Yarrow
• Zephyr

Celebrity and Character Names with Spots

• Cruella – Inspired by Cruella de Vil from “101 Dalmatians,” especially fitting for a black and white cat.
• Dalmatian – Directly referencing the spotted dog breed from “101 Dalmatians.”
• Dotty – A nod to the classic spotted pattern, perfect for any spotted pet.
• Figaro – The cat from “Pinocchio,” suitable for black and white spotted cats.
• Pongo – After the dashing Dalmatian from “101 Dalmatians”, suitable for a cat with a striking spotted pattern.

Exotic and Unique Names

These names celebrate the beauty and diversity of patterns in the animal kingdom, offering perfect choices for your uniquely marked feline friend.

• Cheetah – For the fastest animal on land, famous for its distinctive spots.
• Dalmatian – Inspired by the iconic spotted dog breed.
• Fawn – For a cat with spots reminiscent of a young deer’s coat.
• Freckles – A cute name for a cat with small, speckled spots.
• Giraffe – For a cat with large, unique spots similar to a giraffe’s pattern.
• Jaguar – After the powerful cat with a striking, spotted coat.
• Koi – Inspired by the speckled or spotted patterns of koi fish.
• Ladybug – A sweet name for a cat with small, round spots.
• Leopard – For a cat with a bold, beautiful spotted coat.
• Ocelot – For a cat with small, intricate spots similar to those of an ocelot.
• Panda – Inspired by the giant panda’s distinct black-and-white patches, suitable for a cat with bold spots.
• Pinto – For a cat with a coat like the pinto horse’s distinct patches.
• Serval – For a cat with a slender build and large, well-defined spots, like the African serval.
• Tortoise – Inspired by the shell patterns of tortoises, suitable for a cat with a mix of spots and patches.

Names Inspired by Speckled Foods

These names are not only delicious but also offer a creative way to celebrate the unique markings of your spotted or speckled cat!

• Bean – For small, dark spots resembling beans.
• Berry – Perfect for a cat with a sweet personality and spots like berries.
• Biscotti – Inspired by the speckled appearance of some biscotti varieties.
• Brownie – For a cat with sweet, chocolatey spots.
• Chip – Like the chocolate chips in cookies, for a cat with small, dark spots.
• Cocoa – Ideal for a cat with warm, brown spots.
• Cookie – For a cat with spots that remind you of chocolate chip cookies.
• Cupcake – For a sweet, spotted cat.
• Dolce – Italian for ‘sweet’, fitting for a cat with a sweet, speckled coat.
• Freckle – Named after the candy freckles, perfect for a cat with small spots.
• Jellybean – Colorful and sweet, just like your spotted cat.
• Kiwi – For a cat with small, black spots reminiscent of kiwi seeds.
• Lentil – For cats with small, rounded spots.
• M&M – For the brown cat with spots.
• Macchiato – For a cat with spots that resemble the coffee marking.
• Marble – Like the swirled pattern in marble cake.
• Mocha – Perfect for a cat with dark brown, coffee-like spots.
• Olive – For cats with small, dark spots.
• Oreo – Great for a black and white spotted cat.
• Paprika – For a cat with reddish, speckled spots.
• Pepper – For a cat with small, black, pepper-like spots.
• Pinto – Like pinto beans, for a cat with a mix of colors and spots.
• Pistachio – For a cat with light, nutty-colored spots.
• Raisin – For a cat with dark, sweet spots.
• Sesame – Perfect for a cat with small, sesame seed-like spots.
• Spotty – A straightforward, cute name for a spotted cat.
• Sprinkle – For a cat with colorful, sprinkled spots.
• Sundae – For a cat with a mix of sweet spots.
• Truffle – For a luxurious cat with dark, rich spots.
• Twix – Inspired by the caramel and chocolate bar, for a cat with layered spots.

Choosing the Right Name

Selecting a name for your spotted cat is a personal journey that reflects not just their appearance but their personality and your own style. Whether you lean towards a name that highlights their unique coat pattern, like “Spot”, or one that captures their spirited nature, like “Zippy”, the right name will come to you in a moment of inspiration.

In the end, whatever name you choose will become a part of your cat’s identity and your shared story. A cat with spots brings a touch of the wild, a dash of mystery, and a whole lot of character to your life. Celebrate that uniqueness with a name that’s just as special. Happy naming!

More Cat Names You Might Like

Names for Cats with No Tail

220 Hawaiian Cat Names for an Aloha Spirit

Eclipse Cat Names for Your Celestial Cat

Founder at CatTipper

Paris Permenter is an award-winning author of 35+ pet and travel books. Along with her husband John Bigley, Paris is the founder and publisher of CatTipper & DogTipper. Paris and John share their home with three cats and two dogs.

Latest posts by Paris Permenter (see all)

Vacations are enjoyable for people, but they can cause stress for cats, leading to behavior problems and separation anxiety due to disrupted routines. Cat behavior problems can occur during the owner’s absence, while the cat is being transported, or when the owner returns.

While some cats can cope well with traveling, staying in hotels, or being boarded in a kennel, most cats are better off when they stay in their own home with a pet sitter. This, of course, isn’t always possible, but thankfully some steps can be taken to lessen your cat’s stress and the likelihood of behavior problems at vacation time.

Changes in Your Cat’s Environment

Cats adore routine and thrive on it, to the point that changing anything can potentially cause them to become stressed. When cat owners go on a vacation, a lot of things change for their pets, including the absence of their owners, different feeding times, less attention, new people, and sometimes new environments if they are being boarded.

It can take your cat anywhere from five days to two weeks to adjust and accept a new routine—and sometimes even longer. Just consider how long it takes some cats to accept new cats into their homes or to adjust to a new house. Both of these situations demonstrate how inflexible cats potentially are. A stranger, such as a pet sitter, who doesn’t adhere to the routine also adds stress to your cat’s life. By the time your cat becomes used to the new routine with the pet sitter, you return from vacation and change their daily routine again. You also no longer smell familiar to your cat because they haven’t been able to refresh their cheek-rub markings while you’ve been away. As a result, some cats hide, become defensive, or exhibit unwanted behaviors.

Urinating Outside the Box

One of the most common behavior problems seen in cats when a change occurs in the household is inappropriate elimination, especially urination outside the litter box. Cats may act out with aggression or be fearful toward pet sitters they do not know or in new environments such as boarding facilities. These emotions may cause them to urinate outside their litter box as they try to tell us they are scared or stressed. Since cats like the smell of themselves, the urine marking also helps calm them down by spreading their scent onto items that smell like their owner. Urine is challenging to remove from items like furniture, carpeting, and mattresses, so it is frustrating for people to deal with and clean up.

Excessive Scratching in Cats

In addition to unwanted urination, cats may also start scratching things more if they are upset or stressed. Scratching is a natural behavior and is used to maintain the health of their claws and to mark their territory. But this behavior may increase and become an issue during stressful times for your cat.

Hiding Behavior in Cats

New things often scare cats, and if your cat is scared they will hide. Hiding from the pet sitter, at a boarding facility, and even when you return home are all due to your cat being scared of the situation.

Attacking Behavior in Cats

A scared or stressed cat may lash out aggressively or defensively. This is sometimes seen in extreme stress levels of cats that are in a new situation or environment. Swatting, hissing, lunging, and biting can all be signs of fear and stress in cats.

Vacation and Decreasing Stress in Cats

There are several things cat owners can do in preparation for a vacation that will make the time easier for their cats.

Make Sure Your Cat Gets Attention

If your cat is staying home while you go on vacation, ask the pet sitter to meet them as many times as possible, well in advance of your absence. The pet sitter should offer your cat their favorite treats or play with them and their favorite toys. This will help your cat associate the pet sitter with something positive and pleasant. If your cat wants to run off, let them. Do not confine them to force a meet and greet.

Keep a Routine

Write down your daily routine and ask the pet sitter to follow it. Meals, playtime, grooming, lap-sitting interactions, and other important benchmarks should be followed as closely as possible in order to minimize stress for your cat. If you know the routine will change while you are gone, implement some of these changes several days before your departure, so the cat has already begun the transition without the further stress of your absence.

Preparation Before, During and After the Vacation

Bring out your suitcase at least a week in advance so that your cat gets used to it. Toss in treats or toys, so it’s a positive association for the cat whenever they see your luggage. This also goes for your cat carrier if you need to transport your cat.

Leave behind a scented item, such as a t-shirt that you’ve worn but not washed, for your cat. Leaving this in the cat’s bed can help your cat feel comforted. Some cats also appreciate your recorded voice/message to be played while you’re gone but others become upset, so test this before you leave to see how they respond.

Before you depart, have each member of the family that your cat loves choose a pair of socks from their wardrobe. Rub the socks all over the cat and seal each pair in a separate plastic baggy. When you return from vacation, slip on the cat-scented socks so that you once again carry the cat’s signature identification that “you are family.”

What If You’re Boarding Your Cat?

If you will be boarding your cat, be sure to bring some of their favorite toys or treats and items that smell like you along with them to the facility. Try to have the facility adhere to your normal feeding schedule and play times if they offer them. Tell the staff about what your cat likes to do or where they like to be pet and if you have to transport your cat, be sure to do so in a carrier covered with a towel. Keep them calm in the car by playing soft music and stabilizing the carrier with a seat belt or on the floor of the vehicle. You can also put some treats or favorite food in the carrier.

Try Medications or Other Items

Medications, nutritional supplements, and pheromones are also considerations for cats with stress and anxiety. Many of these items should be started before leaving for vacation and can be very helpful.

We had an exciting weekend!

Yup, Marnie entered her first race. She was vying for the title of “World’s Fastest Dog of Novato.”

Unfortunately, there was a greyhound in it. Fastest dog I’ve ever seen. But Marnie came in a close second.

She was very disappointed that she didn’t get the win…

Rosie felt bad for her, so she put on her tiara and her favorite tutu and went over to her workshop…

She wanted to make something to help cheer Marnie up.

Rosie worked really hard at it…

Eventually, she came up with this!

A participation medal for Marnie.

It instantly cheered her up.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Cats spend much of their waking hours grooming with their tongues. But what does it mean when your cat licks you? It’s common for cats to give their owners a lick on the hand, arm, or even face. While licking often signifies affection, it can also have other meanings. Here are some possible reasons for your cat’s licking behavior.

Why Do Cats Lick People?

When a cat licks you, it’s often a sign of affection or a method of cleaning, since cats lick themselves (or their kittens) in order to groom. However, cats will also lick each other to show various types of affection. A lick from a cat could indicate that they are marking their territory or reminding you that you’re part of the family. Even though you can’t read your cat’s mind, you can be pretty sure that your cat is licking you because they like you.

Affection 

Just as you show affection to your cat through petting, your cat might return the favor by licking you. After all, mother cats lick their kittens, creating a strong association with care. If your feline enjoys licking you, they likely want affection in return, which is one of the joys of living with a cat. Consider those little licks as your cat’s way of giving you a kiss.

Marking Territory

Cats use pheromones, scented hormones, to mark their territory. They have small glands in their cheeks secreting pheromones that are detectable by other cats but not by humans. By rubbing their cheeks on furniture, other animals, or your legs, they mark their territory. Similarly, your cat might lick you to claim you as their own.

Licking and head rubs are affectionate ways for cats to claim you as their own. When your cat licks or rubs against you, they reaffirm your importance to them, signaling to other cats that you are taken. Sometimes, you might notice other cats shying away from you, possibly because they sense you belong to another cat.

Attention Seeking

If you always react when your cat licks you, they quickly learn that licking gains them attention. You may find your cat licking you when they want food, petting, playtime, or a cuddle session in your lap.

Teaching and Nurturing

Many joke that cats think they’re humans, and their behavior towards owners often supports this. Some cats may leave dead mice or birds on the doorstep to share a treat or perhaps teach you to hunt. Clearly, many cats view their owners as family members while also considering them somewhat inept at cat duties. Female cats often show stronger nurturing behavior.

When cats lick you, they could be teaching you to groom yourself, reminiscent of their mothers’ care, showing affection. Cats also lick other household pets to calm them. They are attentive to their owners’ moods, often becoming more affectionate when you’re stressed or unwell, trying to alleviate anxiety as you would for them.

You Taste Good

One clear reason your cat might lick you is the presence of something tasty on your skin. If you’ve handled fish, meat, or other enticing foods, your cat may want to lick the flavor off you.

Soothing Behavior

Cats use licking for various purposes, primarily grooming themselves or their kittens. However, they also lick to soothe themselves when upset, angry, or anxious. By extension, your cat might lick you if they sense your sadness, anxiety, or distress, displaying affection, care, or a mothering instinct.

Early Weaning

Kittens orphaned or weaned prematurely may grow up using licking to fulfill missed early oral stimulation. If your cat frequently licks you and enjoys kneading or “making biscuits” on your skin, they might not have been sufficiently raised by their mother.

Is It Safe to Let a Cat Lick You?

Generally, it’s safe to allow your cat to lick you occasionally. However, be aware of potential risks: cat mouths harbor bacteria that can make humans ill, so avoid letting your cat lick any open wounds. Individuals with compromised immune systems should be cautious and avoid facial licks due to possible sensitivity to feline oral bacteria.

For your cat’s safety, avoid allowing them to lick you if you’ve applied lotions or topical medications, as they might ingest these substances. When unsure, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

How to Stop Your Cat From Licking You

A thorough cat licking isn’t always comfortable. It can feel like sandpaper because cat tongues have backward-facing hooks designed to pull and clean fur similar to a comb.

Remember, licking feels good to your cat, so they don’t realize it might hurt you. If licking becomes uncomfortable, redirect your cat’s behavior. Move away or offer a toy or petting instead. If they persist, withhold attention until the licking ceases and then praise them when it does.

Research shows a surprising number of cats are keen to enjoy a game of fetch

Read Caption

Featured Photo sophiecat/Shutterstock

The revelation followed Delgado’s adoption of three sister kittens from an animal shelter. She was amazed to see them engage in classic fetch behaviour more commonly associated with dogs: they would bring her their toy mice to be thrown, then run to retrieve them. Despite being a lifelong cat owner, she had never seen any of her cats fetch before. 

manitu_gluk/AdobeStock

Intrigued, Delgado set out to explore how common this behaviour is among domestic cats, teaming up with colleagues Judith Stella, senior research scientist, and Candace Croney, professor and director of the Center for Animal Welfare Sciences, along with James Serpell from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

The study found 41% of cats fetch.

Using data previously gathered by Serpell, the researchers looked at how frequently cat fetching was reported by pet owners and set out to determine what characteristics made cats more or less likely to fetch. Their findings, recently published in the journal PLOS One, were titled in reference to the movie Mean Girls: “Making Fetch Happen: Prevalence and Characteristics of Fetching Behavior in Owned Domestic Cats (Felis catus) and Dogs (Canis familiaris).”

dvulikaia/AdobeStock

Their research, which surveyed 8,224 cat owners and 73,724 dog owners, revealed that:

• Approximately 41% of cats and 78% of dogs fetch
• Cat breeds most likely to fetch include Abyssinians, Bengals, Siamese, & Siberians
• Both male cats and dogs fetch more often than females
• Younger animals fetch more frequently
• Living with dogs decreases fetching behaviours in both cats and dogs
• Indoor cats are more likely to fetch than outdoor cats

Though cats are often thought to be standoffish, this research shows that our kitties really do enjoy social interactions with people—and many are more eager to retrieve than you might expect. 

Though cats are often thought to be standoffish, this research shows that our kitties really do enjoy social interactions with people.

shalabii/Bigstock

“Bringing a toy to us is a social request,” says Delgado. “A lot of people mischaracterize cats as being aloof or independent, and in truth, they really do enjoy these interactions with their owners.” 

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Cat magazine. Subscribe today!

Tabs…

One year on a very special Labor Day, Tabs gave the employees of Tabs the Cat Industries LLC the day off…

I know! This came as a shock to everyone because Labor Day was normally one of the holidays the company did not observe, because Tabs liked to interpret “Labor Day” as meaning “a day to labor,” instead of as a day to celebrate labor by taking a day off.

Even though I basically ran the office on a day-to-day basis, it was hard to question him. He was, after all, the most successful plus-size kitty supermodel in Novato, California, history, so he obviously knew what he was doing.

Even though Tabs didn’t encourage time off from work (he was a total workaholic), there was one thing he did encourage…

Fashion!

He always dressed to the nines, and he liked to see his employees do it too.

Whether it was clothes, jewels or crowns, there were always people and cats playing dress-up at the office.

Yup, it was a fun place to work.

Rosie…

Nowadays, the office isn’t as “spicy” as it once was, but Rosie has been getting gussied up more often lately. Like today, she had four wardrobe changes!

That cat is definitely improving her style.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen